Nibali maintains Vuelta lead

French rider Alexandre Geniez of FDJ claimed victory in his homeland as the gruelling 224.9km 15th stage of the Tour of Spain from Andorra to Peyragudes crossed the border into France.

Geniez finished over three minutes ahead of Italian Michele Scarponi and Irishman Nicholas Roche in a time of 6hrs 20mins 12secs.

Giro d'Italia winner Vincenzo Nibali maintained his lead in the overall classification, though, as he finished fourth alongside American Chris Horner and Spain's Alejandro Valverde who remain second and third respectively.